Who often suffers from temporomandibular joint disorder?

The article was written by the Doctor in charge of the Dental - Jaw - Facial Unit - Interdisciplinary Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the name for the joint located on the sides of your head, just in front of your ears. These joints connect the lower jaw (jawbone) to the temporal bone (skull). The temporomandibular joint, which can rotate and move forward, backward, and side to side, is considered one of the most complex joints in the body. This joint, in conjunction with other muscles and ligaments, allows you to chew, swallow, speak, and yawn. When you have problems with the muscles, bones, or other tissues in the area in and around the TMJ, you may have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Signs or symptoms of a temporomandibular joint disorder include pain and tenderness in or around the ears, jaw joints or muscles of the jaw, face, or temples. Other symptoms are difficulty opening or closing your mouth and clicking, clicking, clicking, grinding, or grinding sounds when you chew, yawn, or open your mouth. Temporomandibular joint disorders can be associated with neck pain and headaches. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your dentist and doctor.
In most cases, TMD is caused by a combination of factors such as jaw injury and joint disease, such as arthritis. It is believed that teeth grinding (crushing or clenching) and straining the muscles of the head or neck can make TMD symptoms worse. Stress is also a possible factor. However, it is not clear whether stress causes TMDs or is a result of them.
Other things that can lead to TMD are partial or complete dentures that don't fit properly and certain habits like nail biting, pen or pencil biting.
It has been observed that women suffer from TMJ disorders at a higher rate than men, so researchers are now looking into hormonal causes of TMD. Although the exact cause is still not fully understood, the researchers hope that investigating the link between the female hormone estrogen and temporomandibular joint disorders will be helpful.
Scientists have done several studies on estrogen receptors in the brain as well as jaw tissue. Scientists believe that estrogen in women can put extra stress on the brain, thereby causing the brain to lack the ability to navigate or control pain in women with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Progesterone - a hormone that is negatively related to the development of bones, cartilage and some proteins in the body, has also been placed at the top of the research program of scientists.
Stress and vitamin deficiency
Pregnant women will often have reduced vitamin intake due to having to provide both. Researchers have suggested that a deficiency in this vitamin, such as a magnesium deficiency, can cause problems related to the temporomandibular joint. Women also tend to be extremely stressed and tired during pregnancy. This means they are more likely to grind their jaws or grind their teeth. This does nothing but aggravate the existing problem.
Stress can also negatively affect a woman's hormone balance. This reduces their chances of getting a good night's sleep. When you don't sleep, your body can't produce enough dopamine and essential vitamins into your bloodstream. This exacerbates the cycle of vitamin deficiencies and stress. The TMJ dentist will be able to precisely check the problem at hand.

Female jaw structure
Male and female jaw anatomy may be different. Women's jaw muscles are prone to injury and increased levels of inflammation and exhaustion. As a result, women tend to receive less blood and less oxygen to their faces, especially their jaws. When you lack the right amount of oxygen and blood, your muscles begin to produce an extra amount of lactic acid. Increased lactic acid levels often lead to cramps, spasms, and pain. Anemia means less circulation to the brain. This causes intermittent headaches and migraines involving the temporomandibular joint.
Sleep apnea or sleep deprivation
Interestingly, women with a history of obstructive sleep apnea also tend to have an increased likelihood of developing TMJ. Sleep apnea damages brain cells and can actually limit movement of the jaw muscles if left untreated. Damage to brain cells can also cause anxiety and related symptoms to appear.
When someone is nervous or depressed, they tend not to eat. When they cannot eat they tend to lack the right vitamins to grow and heal. When you lack essential nutrients, you restrict blood flow and oxygen levels, thereby causing TMJ.

Most patients with early temporomandibular joint dysfunction resolve on their own without treatment. To help soothe sore jaw muscles, place a cold or warm compress on your jaw and gently massage your jaw muscles. Eat a soft diet, cut foods into small pieces, and avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods (like gum). Try not to open your mouth too wide, even when you yawn, and most importantly, relax your jaw muscles. When you are relaxing, your teeth should be slightly apart and your tongue should rest on the floor of your mouth with your lips barely touching or slightly apart. There should be a small space between the upper and lower teeth unless chewing, speaking or swallowing.

After a thorough examination and if appropriate TMJ x-rays are needed, your dentist can recommend a treatment plan for TMJ dysfunction. This treatment plan may include relaxation techniques, referrals to a physical therapist, chiropractor, or behavioral therapist to help you relieve muscle pain. Other treatment options may include pain relievers, inflammation, or muscle tension. If a good night's sleep is a problem, several methods to improve sleep can be used.
Your dentist may recommend wearing a night trough. It's made of clear plastic and fits snugly over the biting surface of your molars so you're biting into the trough, not your teeth. This usually helps your jaw joint and muscles relax.
Surgery is rarely used to treat TMD. However, if no other treatment has worked or if it is very difficult to open your jaw, you may need surgery. If you need surgery, your dentist will refer you to a maxillofacial surgeon with expertise in temporomandibular joint disorder surgery.
Department of Dentistry - Maxillofacial - Facial, Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the major and important sub-disciplines of the clinical block. Is a specialty in charge of intensive and aesthetic pathological treatment of the entire tooth structure (teeth, bone, pulp,...), jaw (palatine, jawline, jaw joint, ...) and face (frontal bone, cheekbone, temporal bone,...).
Why should you choose to visit the Odonto-Stomatology Specialist - Vinmec International General Hospital?
Simple and quick procedure. Enthusiastic advice and support, reasonable and convenient examination process. Comprehensive facilities, including a system of clinics and consultations, blood collection room, dining room, waiting area for customers... The medical staff has high professional qualifications, style. Professional, caring way of working.